Islamabad, June 2, 2026: The federal government on Tuesday approved revised business operating hours across Pakistan, extending closing times for markets, restaurants, and retail outlets in view of extended daylight hours and high summer temperatures.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Revised operating hours announced
Under the new guidelines, the following timings have been approved:
- Shops, markets, malls and general retail outlets: 9:00 PM
- Restaurants, cafés and eateries: 11:00 PM (takeaway and delivery services exempt)
- Marriage halls and event venues: 10:00 PM (unchanged)
- Essential services including pharmacies, hospitals, fuel stations, and IT & telecom services: exempt from restrictions
Officials said the revised timings aim to balance energy conservation and economic activity while accommodating seasonal conditions.
The committee directed provincial governments to ensure strict enforcement of the revised schedule in coordination with federal authorities. Authorities were also instructed to monitor compliance across major urban centres and commercial hubs.
The meeting also reviewed broader austerity-related measures and approved additional administrative items on the agenda, though no further details were immediately released.
The session was attended by federal ministers for Petroleum, Climate Change, Information, and IT & Telecom, along with Special Assistants to the Prime Minister on Finance and to the Deputy Prime Minister, senior federal secretaries, and representatives from provincial governments.
Officials said the revised policy reflects an effort to streamline business operations during peak summer conditions while maintaining essential economic activity across the country.
